Punishment of the Thewe, for stealing a child.

47 Edward III. A.D. 1373. Letter-Book G. fol. ccxcix. (Latin.)

On Monday, the Feast of St. Benedict the Abbot [21 March], in
the 47th year etc., Alice de Salesbury, a beggar, was adjudged to
the pillory called the "thewe," for women ordained, by award of
the Mayor and Aldermen, there to stand for one hour in the day;
for that, on the Sunday before, she had taken one Margaret, daughter
of John Oxwyke, grocer, in the Ropery, in London, and had carried
her away, and stripped her of her clothes, that she might not
be recognized by her family; that so, she might go begging with
the same Alice, and gain might be made thereby etc. As to the
which, the same Alice was convicted before the Mayor and Aldermen.

Delivery of a Barge, provided by the City to serve under the King,
together with the rigging and tackle thereof, to William Martlesham, its master

47 Edward III. A.D. 1373. Letter-Book G. fol. ccciv. (Norman French.)

"This indenture, made on the 29th day of July, in the 47th year
etc., witnesseth that John Piel, Mayor, the Aldermen, and the
Commonalty, of the City of London, have handed over and delivered, on the day of the making hereof, their barge, (fn. 1) called
" 'The Paul of London,' fully rigged, together with the rigging and
tackle thereof, unto William Martlesham, mariner, of the said
city, and Master of the said barge, that is to say;—one mast with
three topcastelles, (fn. 2) 8 couples of new hedropes, (fn. 3) 3 forstiez, and 2
couples of backstiez, 2 girdinez, (fn. 4) 3 cranelynz, (fn. 5) 2 upties, (fn. 6) 2 pollanges, (fn. 7) one seylyerde(fn. 8) for the barge, one sail with 2 bonettes, (fn. 9)
2 shetes, (fn. 10) 2 thurghwals, (fn. 11) 2 bowelynes, (fn. 12) 2 stechynges, 2 trusses, (fn. 13)
2 yerderopes, (fn. 14) one rakke, (fn. 15) and the rigging pertaining to the
mast; 6 new cables, 5 anchors for the barge, one wyndyngrope, (fn. 16)
2 haucers for boyropes, 2 touropes, (fn. 17) 3 werpropes, 2 ketels(fn. 18) for
the barge, 60 teeldes, (fn. 19) 16 skaltrowes, 2 roostrees, one grapenel, (fn. 20)
one cheyne of 16 fathom, (fn. 21) 2 waterfyles, (fn. 22) 80 ores(fn. 23) for the barge,
2 wyndyngbailles, (fn. 24) 4 tables with the trestles, 4 napes(fn. 25) for the
same, 5 dozen aguls(fn. 26) for the barge, 40 pounds of filace, (fn. 27) 2
dozen shovels, one dozen skopes; (fn. 28) 2 great tankards, (fn. 29) bound
with iron; six pottz(fn. 30) tankards; two boring-bits; (fn. 31) 4 sketfates; (fn. 32)
20 poleynes; (fn. 33) 2 wyndyng poleys; 2 skeynes(fn. 34) of poletwyne;50 new
palettes, (fn. 35) stuffed; one pair of plates; (fn. 36) 50 cloves of taleghwode; (fn. 37) 20 chains of iron; 60 bows, with a huche; (fn. 38) 500 cords
for them; 400 sheaves of arrows, (fn. 39) with a tun; one beyl; (fn. 40) 2
buttes(fn. 41) of iron for one ketel; one trevyt; (fn. 42) 2 bukettes, (fn. 43) with 2
beiles; one stremer; (fn. 44) 3 standards; 16 baners; (fn. 45) 2 boyes(fn. 46) of
corkille; one coler(fn. 47) for the steyes; 2 brass pots; 2 hatchets;
2 hammers; one
eschele; (fn. 48) and 100 bords(fn. 49) called'waynskott';
and 80 pavyz; (fn. 50) 30 yards of large bever; (fn. 51) also, 200 dartes;
also, 30 launces; also, 4000 quarels(fn. 52) for arblast. Also, one boat
for the same barge, with one mast, 4 couples of hedrope, (fn. 53) one
foresteye, one couple of baksteye, one uptye(fn. 54) with 2 haliers, 2
yerderopes, one zeylyerde, for the boat, one sail, 2 shettes, (fn. 55) 2
thurghwalis, one bowelyne, (fn. 56) one ankyr for the boat, one cable
for the boat, 30 ores, one daviot, for the same boat:— the same
to serve under our Lord the King in this present expedition upon
the sea; he safely to keep and conduct the same, and, after the
said expedition, to bring back and redeliver such barge (fn. 57) and
boat, and all the things aforesaid, unto the Mayor and Commonalty of the said city, for the time being, by reasonable
account made thereof; and to answer and make satisfaction for
all that has been lost therefrom by his default, within 40 days
next after such his return. The which thing well and loyally to
do in form aforesaid, he, the same William Martlesham, Master
of the said barge, binds himself, his heirs, and his executors,
and all his goods, moveable and immoveable, wheresover they
may be found, on this side of the sea or beyond, to the Mayor
and Commonalty aforesaid, and to their successors, hereby. And
for the greater certainty of so doing, John Maykyn, shipman,
and Robert Hulle, shipman, have become sureties for the said
William, Master of the barge aforesaid; and the said John
Maykyn and Robert, the sureties aforesaid, bind themselves and
each of them severally, and all their goods, moveable and immoveable, wheresoever they may be found, on this side of the
sea or beyond, to the Mayor and Commonalty aforesaid, and to
their successors, in the same manner as the said William, Master
of the barge aforesaid, is bound. In witness whereof, to the one
part of this indenture the Mayor and Commonalty aforesaid
have set the Seal of the Mayoralty of the said city; and the
aforesaid William, John Maykyn, and Robert, to the other part
have set their seals. Given at London, the day and year beforementioned."

Sentence of Imprisonment, for assault in presence of the Mayor.

47 Edward III. A.D. 1373. Letter-Book G. fol. ccvi. (Latin.)

On Friday next after the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed
Virgin Mary [8 September], in the 47th year etc., Robert Brabason, stokfisshmongere, was attached to make answer for that, —when
John Lithfot, (fn. 58)saltere, on the Monday next after the Feast of the
Decollation of St. John the Baptist [29 August], was laid in wait
for by certain persons who were jealous of him, and did not dare
go out of the house of Thomas de Mordone, chaundeler, near to Billyngesgate, in which he then kept himself, for fear of death, as was
stated to John Pyel, the Mayor; whereupon, the same Mayor, for
keeping the peace, on the same day went there, and arrested the
said Robert, who then manifestly threatened the said John Lythfot, (fn. 58) —while the same John Ligthfot (fn. 58) was going towards his house
with the Mayor, for safe-conduct, the said Robert, while so under
arrest, and going along with the said Mayor, drew his dagger in
presence of him, the Mayor, and made assault with the same upon
the said John Ligthfot, (fn. 58) so under safe-conduct, and attempted to
stab him, in contempt of our Lord the King etc., and in pernicious example to others.

And the said Robert appeared in person, etc., and acknowledged
that he was guilty thereof etc.,; and he put himself upon the favour
of the Mayor and Aldermen. And conference being held thereupon
between the said Mayor and Aldermen, by their common consent
it was ordered and awarded, that the said Robert Brabasoun should
be committed to the Prison of Neugate for the contempt aforesaid, there to remain for a year and a day then next ensuing.

Afterwards, on the 16th day of September in the year aforesaid, the said Robert was committed to the charge of Simon de
Mordone, Alderman, by him to be kept etc.

And hereupon, the same Simon, John Horn, William Strokelady, William Walford, John Rous, Elias de Thorpe, pelterer,
John Burghwelle, John Kirketone, William Bramptone, William
Torgold, William Turke, William Bradewelle, John Mortone, and
Richard Brounvyle, fishmongers and stokfishmongeres, jointly gave
surety, and each of them for himself, body for body, to have the
body of the same Robert at the Guildhall, to stand his trial, (fn. 59) where
and when they should be warned, etc.

Ordinances of the Court-hand Writers, or Scriveners.

(fn. 60) On the 26th day of September, in the 47th year etc., came here
the reputable men, the common Writers of Court-hand of the City,
and delivered to the Mayor and Aldermen a certain petition, in
these words.—

(fn. 61) "Unto the honourable Lords, the Mayor and Aldermen of the
City of London, pray the Writers of Court-hand of the said city,
that whereas their craft is very much in request in the same city,
and it is especially requisite that it should be lawfully and wisely
ruled and followed, and that, by persons instructed therein; and
seeing that, for want of good rule, many mischiefs and defaults
are, and have been oftentimes, committed in the said craft, by
those who resort from divers countries unto the said city, as well
chaplains as others, who have no knowledge of the customs, franchises, and usages, of the City, and who cause themselves to be
called 'scriveners', and undertake to make wills, deeds, and all
other things touching the said craft; the fact being that they are
foreigners and unknown, and also, are less skilled than the aforesaid scriveners who are free of the said city, and who for long
have been versed in their craft, and have largely given of their
means for their instruction and freedom therein:—to the great
damage and disherison of many persons, as well of the said city
as of many countries of the realm, and to the great damage and
scandal of all the good and lawful men of the said craft. Therefore pray the good scriveners, that it may please your honourable
and discreet Lordships, to grant unto them, and to establish for
the common profit of the said city, and of many other countries,
and for the well-being and amendment of their condition, that
they, and their successors for all time, may be ruled and may
enjoy their franchise in their degree in manner as other folks of
divers trades of the said city are ruled and do enjoy their franchise, in their degree; according to the points that follow.—

"In the first place,—they pray that no person shall be suffered
to keep shop of the said craft in the City, or in the suburb
thereof, if he be not free of the City, made free in the same craft,
and that, by men of the craft.

"Also,—that no one shall be admitted to such freedom, if he be
not first examined and found able by those of the same craft who
shall, for the time being, by you and your successors be assigned
and deputed to do the same, and to be Wardens of the said
craft.

" Also,—that every scrivener of the said city, and of the suburb
thereof, shall put his name to the deeds which he makes; that
it may be known who has made the same.

"Also,—that every one who shall act against this Ordinance and
enactment, shall pay to the Chamber, the first time 40d.; the
second time, half a mark; and the third time, 10 shillings.

"Also,—that these Articles shall be enrolled in the said Chamber,
as being firm and established for ever." (fn. 62)

Further requisitions as to the equipment of the Barge built by the
City for the King's service.

(fn. 63) Our Lord the King sent here, on the 28th day of September in
the 47th year etc., his Letter under the Privy Seal, in these words.—

(fn. 64) "Edward, by the grace of God etc., to the Mayor, Aldermen,
Citizens, and Commoners, of our City of London, greeting.
Whereas the barge (fn. 65) which you have caused to be made of late
for our service, at our command, as you do know, is at present
in the Port of Suthamptone, and cannot go from thence to sea
on our service, as it was ordered to do, with the expendition of
barges and other vessels which are there at present in our service;
seeing that the said barge is not provided with anchors, cables,
tackle, (fn. 66) or other necessary equipment, as it ought to be, according as for certain we have learned;— We do command and charge
you strictly that, so soon as you shall see this, you will ordain
among you in all ways that the said barge be well and sufficiently
equipped and arrayed with anchors, cables,tackle, (fn. 66) and all other
things necessary thereto, and that, with all the haste that may be
made in any way; to the end that it may go forth in our service in
the said expedition, and so that, by your negligence or laches in
this behalf, our said service may not experience delay, which may
God forbid, through want of the barge aforesaid. And this in no
manner omit, on the fealty and allegiance which unto us you
owe. Given under our Privy Seal, at Westminster, the 24th day
of September, in the 47th year of our reign in England, and in
France the 34th."

(fn. 67) By reason of which Letter, (fn. 68) there was given unto William Martesham, Master of the barge aforesaid, the sum of 20 marks for buying anchors, cables, and other necessaries for the same; as set forth
in the following.—

"Be it remembered, that William Martesham, Master of the
ship called 'The Poul,' of London, on the 24th day of September in the 47th year etc., gave the Mayor and Aldermen to understand that one anchor and two cables of the said barge were
lost in the last voyage of the same. Wherefore John de Cauntebrigge, Chamberlain of the Guildhall of London, delivered unto
the said William, for the Commonalty of the city aforesaid, on
the 24th day of September, 20 marks for the purchase of such
anchors, cables, and other necessaries; as to the which, the said
Chamberlain has the acquittance of the same William, by way of
receipt." (fn. 69)

Inundation of the vicinity of St. Mary's Hospital without Bisshopesgate, from a defective watercourse.

47 Edward III. A.D. 1373. Letter-Book G. fol. cccxvi. (Latin.)

It was presented, upon the oath of twelve reputable men of the
Ward of Bisshopesgate, at the Wardmote holden before John
Lytle, Alderman of the same Ward, on the Sunday next after the
Feast of St. Nicholas the Bishop [6 December], in the 47th year
etc., that after great rains the waters coming down from the fields
of the Lord Bishop of London into Berwardeslane, (fn. 70) and from the
street without Bisshopesgate, used, and of right ought, to have
their course through an arched passage beneath a certain tenement
belonging to Nicholas de Altone, which Thomas de Leuesham,
skynnere, then held, opposite to Berwardeslane aforesaid, towards
the Moor of London; which watercourse was then choked up: by
reason whereof, in winter-time every year, water, a foot and more
in depth, overflowed and rose in the Church of the Hospital (fn. 71) of
St. Mary without Bisshopesgate, and in many of the houses (fn. 72) there,
as also, in many houses and gardens of the whole vicinity of Berwardeslane; whereby, very many walls and partitions, throughout
the whole vicinity, were oftentimes thrown down or torn up; so
much so, that Sir Thomas, the then Prior of the Hospital aforesaid, and the Convent of that place, and all the men of the vicinity,
were in doubt whether the greatest of damage and peril might not
shortly befall them and their tenements, unless the said watercourse
should be speedily repaired. Therefore the said Thomas was warned
to be here on the Friday next after the Feast of St. Agatha [5
February] then next ensuing, to shew if he had aught to say for
himself, why he ought not to clear out and cleanse the passage
aforesaid, that the water might have its course there, as it was wont
to have etc. (fn. 73)

68. Or rather, the necessities set forth in
the Letter, as the receipt is dated four days
before the Letter seems to have come to
hand.

69. In folio ccxcvii. are contained the
original orders, from the King, dated 3rd
and 28th of November in the 46th year
(1372), enjoining the City to build two
war barges for defence against the French
and Spaniards, by the 1st of April next;
each barge to be 80 feet long, and 20 in
breadth. It is also there stated that a
tax of one third of one fifteenth was
levied upon the citizens for building one
of these barges; the inspectors of the
building thereof, and of its boat, being
John Coggeshale and John Horn, fishmonger. In folio ccxcviii. we learn that
they paid 621l. 3s. 2¾d. for the building and equipment. William Taleworth,
shipwright, appears to have been the
builder. The second barge, ordered by
the King to be built, does not seem to
have been made.

73. We are informed in the sequel, at
considerable length, but without disclosing
a single additional fact, that an order for
cleansing the passage under the tenement
called "Le Brigge-hous"(the Bridge
House) was finally made, time being
granted until Whitsuntide following.